Jeremiah 40:1-4

1The Lord spoke to Jeremiah again after Captain Nebuzaradan let him go free at Ramah. Jeremiah was with all the other people of Jerusalem and Judah that Captain Nebuzaradan was taking to Babylon. He was taking them in chains, as his prisoners. But he removed the chains from Jeremiah in Ramah.

2He said this to Jeremiah when they were alone: ‘The Lord your God warned your people that he would bring trouble to this place.

3Now he has done that. The Lord has done what he promised to do. He sent this trouble because your people did not obey the Lord. They turned against him.

4But today I am taking the chains off your hands so that you can go free. You can come with me to Babylon, if you choose to do that. If you come, I will take care of you. But if you do not choose to come with me, you do not have to do that. You are a free man. You may go to any part of the land that you choose.’